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Vindictive
“Lawrence’s title is apt, as most of his characters are engaged in plotting and scheming, enraged by the actions of another, which makes this story an entertainingly soapy affair… action packed tale of spite.” – Kirkus Reviews
The best revenge is revenge. Getting it is all that matters.
Jules Cartell has it all: wealth; beauty; a handsome, loving husband; a partnership in her father's law firm; and the top executive position at one of Canada's leading corporations, Cartell Worldwide. Aside from her secret, problematic desire for the married owner of the internationally renowned Chateau Berge, Jules believes she and her life are pretty perfect. But the discovery of an unforgivable crime perpetrated against her family by her husband, Phillip, years before the two met sets Jules down the path of revenge. There is no option for forgiveness. Phillip has to pay. An eye for an eye.
It is said that when seeking revenge, you should dig two graves. Someone from Jules's past, someone aggrieved by her actions, seeks vengeance for themselves. This is an enemy without compassion, without morality, without mercy. An enemy who will accept no restitution short of Jules's death.
In the city of Fairporte, ON, secrets, lies, and betrayal can be found everywhere. As adversaries close in, will Jules get revenge before her past catches up with her? Unexpected allies may be instrumental to her success. They may also be the key to her very survival.
The best revenge is revenge. Getting it is all that matters.
Jules Cartell has it all: wealth; beauty; a handsome, loving husband; a partnership in her father's law firm; and the top executive position at one of Canada's leading corporations, Cartell Worldwide. Aside from her secret, problematic desire for the married owner of the internationally renowned Chateau Berge, Jules believes she and her life are pretty perfect. But the discovery of an unforgivable crime perpetrated against her family by her husband, Phillip, years before the two met sets Jules down the path of revenge. There is no option for forgiveness. Phillip has to pay. An eye for an eye.
It is said that when seeking revenge, you should dig two graves. Someone from Jules's past, someone aggrieved by her actions, seeks vengeance for themselves. This is an enemy without compassion, without morality, without mercy. An enemy who will accept no restitution short of Jules's death.
In the city of Fairporte, ON, secrets, lies, and betrayal can be found everywhere. As adversaries close in, will Jules get revenge before her past catches up with her? Unexpected allies may be instrumental to her success. They may also be the key to her very survival.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
2 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Lawrence
4 books146 followers“Lawrence’s title is apt, as most of his characters are engaged in plotting and scheming, enraged by the actions of another, which makes this story an entertainingly soapy affair… action packed tale of spite.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.” – Literary Titan.
"Ryan Lawrence’s VINDICTIVE is a genuine page-turner filled with sex, violence, quality perfume, classy dishware, and determined revenge.” – IndieReader.
Ryan Lawrence was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a 2000 graduate of The University of Guelph in English. Ryan has worn many hats professionally, including working over 12 years as a custom art framer. While writing has always been a part of his life, it was only after leaving this profession that Ryan seriously took his education and passion for writing by the horns and began the journey toward Vindictive, his first novel. Ryan has recently published his second novel, Vindictive Too, continuing his exploration into the theme of revenge.
Since 2002, Ryan has lived in London, Ontario, with his husband, Todd, together since 1997, and his massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd. He’s okay.
Read his BLOG over at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog!
“Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.” – Literary Titan.
"Ryan Lawrence’s VINDICTIVE is a genuine page-turner filled with sex, violence, quality perfume, classy dishware, and determined revenge.” – IndieReader.
Ryan Lawrence was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is a 2000 graduate of The University of Guelph in English. Ryan has worn many hats professionally, including working over 12 years as a custom art framer. While writing has always been a part of his life, it was only after leaving this profession that Ryan seriously took his education and passion for writing by the horns and began the journey toward Vindictive, his first novel. Ryan has recently published his second novel, Vindictive Too, continuing his exploration into the theme of revenge.
Since 2002, Ryan has lived in London, Ontario, with his husband, Todd, together since 1997, and his massive comic book collection that once fell on Todd. He’s okay.
Read his BLOG over at www.ryanlawrenceauthor.ca/blog!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 31, 2021
Vindictive by author Ryan Lawrence is a captivating mystery with twists and turns where readers least expect them. This exciting book starts when Jules is eight years old and is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever. That decision sets off a chain of events full of lies, deceit, revenge, and manipulation later in her life. But what if what you’ve thought all along isn’t what it seems? What if you, yourself, have been manipulated for someone else’s quest for vengeance. This is precisely what happens to Jules, who seeks control in every aspect of her life. Often disliked by those around her, she prefers it that way to keep a layer of protection around herself. When a ghost from her past comes back to haunt her, though, Jules feels that control start to falter. The things she built her life upon turns out to be a fabrication of the truth, causing her to question the decisions she’s made as an adult.
Lawrence does not fall short on creativity. The author writes in detail, explaining fully when laying out settings and plots. Readers will recognize that Lawrence did a fair share of research or is a subject matter expert when describing fight scenes. Vindictive has many sub-plots intertwined in the storyline and Lawrence weaves them in flawlessly. The characters come to life with highly detailed back stories allowing readers to get into their mind and understand their actions. Building the back story to set up this stimulating novel allows readers to become fully immersed in the world created by Lawrence.
The characters had similar scheming personalities. Jules, Stella, Joseph, Miles, and even Denise were all brutal in their verbal attacks and only looking out for their own best interest. Phillip was the most tolerable character, seeming beaten down by a swarm of controlling people in his life, most notably Jules. Readers will enjoy experiencing the rekindled friendship between Amanda and Jules. Although Jules used Amanda years ago, Amanda comes through when Jules needs her most. It was nice to see a moment of Jules letting her guard down when having a heart-to-heart with Amanda on why things ended the way they did. It impacted how their friendship can move forward with having a better understanding of each other and their expectations.
Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.
Lawrence does not fall short on creativity. The author writes in detail, explaining fully when laying out settings and plots. Readers will recognize that Lawrence did a fair share of research or is a subject matter expert when describing fight scenes. Vindictive has many sub-plots intertwined in the storyline and Lawrence weaves them in flawlessly. The characters come to life with highly detailed back stories allowing readers to get into their mind and understand their actions. Building the back story to set up this stimulating novel allows readers to become fully immersed in the world created by Lawrence.
The characters had similar scheming personalities. Jules, Stella, Joseph, Miles, and even Denise were all brutal in their verbal attacks and only looking out for their own best interest. Phillip was the most tolerable character, seeming beaten down by a swarm of controlling people in his life, most notably Jules. Readers will enjoy experiencing the rekindled friendship between Amanda and Jules. Although Jules used Amanda years ago, Amanda comes through when Jules needs her most. It was nice to see a moment of Jules letting her guard down when having a heart-to-heart with Amanda on why things ended the way they did. It impacted how their friendship can move forward with having a better understanding of each other and their expectations.
Vindictive is a riveting murder mystery novel that will have readers turning the pages to find out what happens with Jules and how the lies she has been told unfold. A fast paced novel perfect for readers looking for action, suspense and thrills.
March 18, 2022
Vindictive is Author Ryan Lawrence’s debut novel and wow! What a debut!
The story centers around Jules, an intelligent and powerful business woman, who seeks revenge against those who have caused her harm. Her plan for exacting revenge is brilliantly planned and executed in such a way that keeps the reader ensnared until the very last page. The Author creates characters that are so vivid and well developed that you cannot help but love/hate them. Every page and every chapter, provides the reader with a new clue or new twist that only adds to the suspense of this thriller. The writing style and use of descriptions is very sophisticated which is perfect for this novel considering the level of extreme intelligence of the main characters in the book. The story does end with a happy for now scenario, as the second part of this novel should be released later this year.
This book was wonderfully written and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy thrillers. I cannot wait to read more from this Author!
The story centers around Jules, an intelligent and powerful business woman, who seeks revenge against those who have caused her harm. Her plan for exacting revenge is brilliantly planned and executed in such a way that keeps the reader ensnared until the very last page. The Author creates characters that are so vivid and well developed that you cannot help but love/hate them. Every page and every chapter, provides the reader with a new clue or new twist that only adds to the suspense of this thriller. The writing style and use of descriptions is very sophisticated which is perfect for this novel considering the level of extreme intelligence of the main characters in the book. The story does end with a happy for now scenario, as the second part of this novel should be released later this year.
This book was wonderfully written and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page. It is highly recommended for those who enjoy thrillers. I cannot wait to read more from this Author!
March 2, 2022
THEY. HAVE. TO. PAY. Wow. So many chills toward the end of this book. The twists and turns that happened in this novel were brilliantly woven into a masterful web of connection between so many characters. It culminated in a reveal that completely blew my mind. I cannot wait for the sequel.
I highly recommend this read. This book took me on a journey of the fictional city of Fairpointe, Ontario, Canada following the lives of some of the wealthiest and most powerful inhabitants. As I read each chapter, I gained more and more perspective on each person and their motivations - rallying for some and wishing for ruin for others. The detail and depth of prose made me feel as though I was living the events with the characters, fully immersed in the scenery and participating in the relationships through the vivid conversations. If you are looking for a character-driven and thrilling book with unexpected turns, this is the one for you!
I highly recommend this read. This book took me on a journey of the fictional city of Fairpointe, Ontario, Canada following the lives of some of the wealthiest and most powerful inhabitants. As I read each chapter, I gained more and more perspective on each person and their motivations - rallying for some and wishing for ruin for others. The detail and depth of prose made me feel as though I was living the events with the characters, fully immersed in the scenery and participating in the relationships through the vivid conversations. If you are looking for a character-driven and thrilling book with unexpected turns, this is the one for you!
April 6, 2023
Without giving anything away, the book is an amazing journey through the eyes of many characters, some you sympathize with, most you can't wait for them to get their karma kicked into their faces.
Lawrence's delivery wove an intricate, multi-layered story with an impressive number of character viewpoints that constantly builds upon its rich scenery and description.
My mindset on the characters kept changing throughout the book as new layers of content were shed, chapter after chapter.
I literally opened the second book immediately
after finishing this one. Can't wait to see what is next for the characters from this series, as well as anything new Lawrenece throws at us down the line. Worth the read!
Lawrence's delivery wove an intricate, multi-layered story with an impressive number of character viewpoints that constantly builds upon its rich scenery and description.
My mindset on the characters kept changing throughout the book as new layers of content were shed, chapter after chapter.
I literally opened the second book immediately
after finishing this one. Can't wait to see what is next for the characters from this series, as well as anything new Lawrenece throws at us down the line. Worth the read!
May 3, 2022
This book will grab your attention at the start, and keeps you guessing as you go with plenty of twists. Lawrence does a great job of building tension and keeping you on the edge of your seat as you turn pages for hours. The imagery is vivid, and it's easy to feel like you're watching the story unfold in front of you. The characters have a bit of depth, but it's not always easy to like them. Although, I think that just adds to the story. A great thrilling read to keep your heart racing late into the night.
May 30, 2022
Vindictive is a wonderfully written book that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last chapter. The author creates characters so vivid and well-developed that they leap off the page. The writing style and use of descriptions are very sophisticated, but I still found the novel to be quite accessible. High camp in some parts and downright tension and terror in others, but nothing felt forced or awkwardly paced which is something I would have thought likely in a book that’s over 400 pages. Kudos to the author. Very entertaining!
April 1, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Vindictive. It was a riveting mystery filled with great characters and terrific dialogue. Some of these people had a mouth on them! Bitchy, sarcastic, and sassy! The reveals were great. I never suspected any of them. I liked that it included LGBTQ characters.
June 7, 2022
I really liked this read and found myself caught in the web of lies, betrayal and ultimate revenge. The characters made it very easy to become part of the story and truly want that revenge yourself.
Throughout, I found the detail of the story was excellent. The characters had personalities and depth, that really brought the story to life and the world building was able to make you feel very present.
I loved the flow and pace of the book, as it fit well with the nature of the story and really made it hard to put it down.
Honestly, I highly recommend this read, especially if you want a thriller you get completely stuck into!
Throughout, I found the detail of the story was excellent. The characters had personalities and depth, that really brought the story to life and the world building was able to make you feel very present.
I loved the flow and pace of the book, as it fit well with the nature of the story and really made it hard to put it down.
Honestly, I highly recommend this read, especially if you want a thriller you get completely stuck into!
April 28, 2024
💕 I don’t think I’ve ever hated a main character as much as I have this one. And yet, I admired her at the same time. I won’t lie though. I hoped for her inevitable downfall. She’s manipulative, power hungry and doesn’t care who she has to take down to get to the top. And well, let’s not forget Vindictive and very much sane.
Now William is a psychopath and I very much enjoyed his character. Sadistic and calculated. Driven by the one event that steered his life into a solitary goal. The downfall of Jules. I know. They both have similarities. So why do I love one and hate the other? Because William doesn’t see areas of grey. There’s no moral compass that he chooses to ignore. It just is.
It’s a novel of twists and turns. Loads of morally grey characters. Manipulations, secrets, scheming. You name it. It has it. The strong make it up to the top. The weak and kind hearted don’t last. They get used and discarded. You have no idea how it’s going to end. Yes, as I was reading, I was hoping William would take Jules down in the end. Did he? This book truly could have gone either way.
Now William is a psychopath and I very much enjoyed his character. Sadistic and calculated. Driven by the one event that steered his life into a solitary goal. The downfall of Jules. I know. They both have similarities. So why do I love one and hate the other? Because William doesn’t see areas of grey. There’s no moral compass that he chooses to ignore. It just is.
It’s a novel of twists and turns. Loads of morally grey characters. Manipulations, secrets, scheming. You name it. It has it. The strong make it up to the top. The weak and kind hearted don’t last. They get used and discarded. You have no idea how it’s going to end. Yes, as I was reading, I was hoping William would take Jules down in the end. Did he? This book truly could have gone either way.
December 22, 2025
Part corporate thriller, part dark soap opera, yet all sumptuous revenge. Set in the fictional Canadian city of Fairporte, ON, this novel plunges you straight into a world of manipulation, secrets, and power plays. Every chapter keeps you guessing who is really in control, who the “real” villains are, and what shocking secret will drop next. Oh, and the question every reader will ask: why is Jules Cartel such a complete b!tch? (She does have good reason.)
The characters are vivid, their Canadian flavour and mannerism are highly authentic, and their struggles and choices feel immediate and realistic, with just the right touch of soap opera flair. The story has a real “Kill Bill meets Basic Instinct” vibe, with its calculated revenge, morally gray characters, and intense drama and action scenes. Who knew a deadly throwing star could be used as a fashion accessory? Loved it.
The characters are vivid, their Canadian flavour and mannerism are highly authentic, and their struggles and choices feel immediate and realistic, with just the right touch of soap opera flair. The story has a real “Kill Bill meets Basic Instinct” vibe, with its calculated revenge, morally gray characters, and intense drama and action scenes. Who knew a deadly throwing star could be used as a fashion accessory? Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews